4 Ways to Protect Your Pond in Winter
The winter months can be worrying for pond owners, especially if there are fish and plants that you want to keep safe during the harsh, cold weather. But with a few simple precautions, your precious pond can survive in the frost, ready to bounce back in the warmer spring. Here are four ways that you can protect your pond in winter and preserve its thriving life.
Aeration System
It’s worth considering investing in an air pump not only during the winter months but all year round. An aeration system keeps the water flowing and oxygenated, preventing the build-up of algae. During winter, the movement of air and water also ensures that a small part of the pond is ice-free, allowing diffusion of oxygen into the pond from the air. It can be switched on solely during freezing temperatures in order to repel ice build-up.
Remove Debris and Some Plants
Just before temperatures begin to drop, start to remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, algae and fish waste that have accumulated because they can pollute the pond if they break down in the water during winter. You could even install a pond filter to clean out any smaller waste particles. Most pond plants can survive during winter but you should bring any less tolerant plants such as hyacinths or tropical lilies inside.
Cover Your Pond
In order to prevent any leaves or debris that can release toxic chemicals falling into your pond during winter, it would be a good idea to pull a net covering over it. This is a great way of protecting your pond from any infiltration but be sure to clear the net of any foliage in case it starts to sink into the pond under the weight.
Cut Down Fish Feeding
Pond fish hibernate in the winter months because their metabolism is controlled by the temperature of the water. This means that you should start reducing the amount of food they are given as the weather gets colder. You can stop feeding them completely when the temperature drops below 4oC.
Be sure to look up any specific precautions that you might need to take depending on the climate you live in and your particular type of pond. With these simple preparations, you can rest assured that your pond will be protected, whatever the winter has in store.